(rshsdepot) Rensselaer, NY

[Bernie Wagenblast <brwagenblast_@_comcast.net>]

At rail station, it's down to details
Rensselaer-- With "low-key" opening set for Sunday, workers put final
touches on $53.1M facility

By CATHY WOODRUFF, Staff writer
First published: Tuesday, September 17, 2002

The last coffee counter candidates are sitting down for job interviews.
Windows are being washed and magazine racks installed. All are part of a
wave of finishing touches under way this week at the new Rensselaer rail
station in preparation for Sunday's first trains.

At 6 a.m., the first Empire Service train departs from the new station for
New York City. The Maple Leaf, on its way to Toronto from New York City, is
the first scheduled arrival at 10:15 a.m.

"It's going to be very low-key on Sunday," as Amtrak employees and
passengers get the hang of operating out of the new $53.1 million station,
said Amtrak spokeswoman Karina Van Veen.

The Capital District Transportation Authority, which built the station, is
planning a more-festive ribbon-cutting and grand opening ceremony Monday or
later in the week. But low-key or not, after nearly two years of delays and
snags, Sunday's actual opening is eagerly anticipated by Amtrak, CDTA and
passengers.

"We're looking forward to moving into that new station," said Amtrak's Van
Veen.

"We'll be ready. Gotta be," said Carl Calicchia, CDTA's manager of capital
projects.

Calicchia was among CDTA staffers on site Monday as heating and air
conditioning systems were set and final tests began on escalators, alarms,
speakers and other systems throughout the building.

Meanwhile, a rebuilt Herrick Street automobile bridge stands ready to open
Sunday. The new bridge, built as part of the station project by CDTA, will
provide more direct access to the station and the adjacent garage and
parking lots for motorists arriving from Albany.

Chris and Jack Koblensky of Clifton Park, who were at the old Amtrak station
next door Monday to see their daughter off on her way home to New York City,
said they look forward to launching their rail journeys from the new
station.

"We are excited about having something new and modern -- and a platform on
the same level as the train," said Chris Koblensky. "Now, when you have your
suitcases and everything, you have to pull it all up the steps into the
train."

Other improvements the Koblenskys said they expect to appreciate will
include the enclosed pedestrian bridge from the station to the platforms, so
they won't have to walk across the tracks to reach the train, and the auto
access via the Herrick Street Bridge.

Jack Koblensky, who travels for his job with GE, said he believes travelers
will enjoy the new train station in much the same way the new Albany
International Airport terminal improved air travel for the region.

"It's a lot nicer than it used to be," he said of the airport. "You don't
mind if you have an hour delay there."

Inside the new station Monday, Craig Armstrong and Rick Frederick of the
Coffee Beanery were interviewing applicants for jobs at the restaurant and
preparing to accept deliveries of food this week.

Tim Seelye and his staff from Sweet Associates were installing shelves and
preparing spots for beverage coolers in the Friar Tuck newsstand and gift
shop, which will be operated by Hamilton News.

Amtrak employees were working on computer equipment behind the ticket and
information counter, and Verizon workers were switching on telephone lines.
A Charter One bank ATM was being serviced.

The building floors have been buffed to a shine, reflecting the hazy
sunlight that splashed through three skylights in the cathedral ceiling
Monday.

A few last-minute wrinkles have emerged to challenge the staff but are not
expected to affect the opening.

Escalators from the enclosed walkway to the platforms were running Monday,
but they remain exposed to the weather until covering canopies, now on back
order, are delivered in October, CDTA officials said. A sign that misspelled
Amtrak as Amtrack has been shipped back to the printer for correction.

Sheila Carpenter of Long Island, a social worker for the state Office of
Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, welcomed news of the
impending station opening as she arrived at the old station Monday on one of
her regular trips here. She said she'd like the new station to spark more
frequent train service and less-expensive cab service or public
transportation once she gets here.

But even if not, she said, she'll still enjoy it.

"I think the Amtrak staff is wonderful, and it can only become more
comfortable if you're waiting for a train," Carpenter said. "It should be
lovely."



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The Railroad Station Historical Society maintains a database of existing
railroad structures at: http://www.rrshs.org

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